5 New Spots to Try in St. Louis: August 2019

St. Louis diners have plenty of new options to explore this month, from upscale Mexican cuisine to Malaysian comfort food to Nigerian soul food.

Akar

St. Louis diners were dismayed when chef Bernie Lee closed his beloved Hiro Asian Kitchen in May, but he followed it up with the debut of Akar in Clayton just a month later. Located in a cozy 850-square-foot space on Wydown Boulevard, the restaurant serves food inspired by Lee's native Malaysia, including lots of vegan and gluten-free dishes. Highlights from the seasonal menu include tempura soft-shell crab with summer corn, a spin on mapo tofu and short ribs with pea mash, burnt carrot and sambal demi glace (pictured here). Akar also boasts a lengthy wine list and a spacious patio. (Photo by Mabel Suen)

Alta Calle

South Grand is perhaps the most diverse strip of restaurants in St. Louis, and Alta Calle adds an upscale Mexican restaurant to the mix. The new concept brings together the family behind Maplewood staple Las Palmas and acclaimed chef Tello Carreón (who formerly helped put Nixta on the national map). The menu includes favorites like shrimp tacos and guacamole alongside mushroom flautas, flash-fried chicken with mole and zucchini huaraches. Thanks to Carreón’s artful approach to plating, classic dishes like mushroom enchiladas (pictured here) are almost as much fun to look at as they are to eat. (Photo by Mabel Suen)

Craft Eats & Drinks

Where you can find everything from steak fajita bowls and poke to jumbo pretzels? Craft Eats & Drinks, now open in Wildwood, Missouri. The new restaurant from the owners of 1356 Public House, Nick’s Pub and SOHA Bar & Grill brings "upscale-casual pub fare" to the neighborhood, featuring a diverse menu of shareable appetizers, salads and internationally inspired dishes. Don't miss the aforementioned pretzel, which is dusted in everything bagel seasoning and served with scallion cream cheese spread and beer cheese. (Photo by Mabel Suen)

Iron & Rye

Love waffles? You'll want to check out Iron & Rye, a waffles and whiskey concept that fills the former home of O'Shay's Pub in The Grove. The new restaurant comes from the minds behind Union 30, The Sliced Pint and The Restaurant At Seven Gables Inn, and specializes in Belgian-style liège waffles that get their signature crunch from chunks of pearl sugar. Both sweet and savory options are on offer, including fried chicken and waffles alongside the Strawberry Dream waffle (pictured here), served with strawberry compote and fresh whipped cream. Wash it down with one of Iron & Rye's brunch-inspired cocktails, which are available all day. (Photo by Mabel Suen)

Ofure Palace

The newest concept to open doors on Cherokee Street brings West African cuisine to the neighborhood. Ofure Palace offers a mix of both Nigerian soul food and American staples, resulting in a diverse menu offering everything from whole tilapia with jollof rice (pictured here) to cheeseburgers. At her eponymous restaurant, chef-owner Ofure Brandon serves specialties made from family recipes including the stew-like egusi soup as well as a gyro, chicken wings and catfish nuggets. (Photo by Mabel Suen)